Free Will and Determinism Essay

Determinism, libertarianism and compatibilism are three significantly different views on where unaccountability might stop and where free will and moral responsibility begin. Determinism is the strict opinion that every action and decision is the cause of an event, genetics or the environment prior to that action. Quite the opposite is libertarianism, which happens to be the genuine belief in free will as well as the denial of universal causation. Finally, deep self-compatibilism meshes both of these stand points together and introduces the idea that one’s action can be free if it stems purely out of personal, authentic desire. Since all three judgments have a backbone of convincing…show more content…

To start, Hench displays subconsciously in the first few paragraphs that he favors determinism. “Every time Hench told me about a potential customer, he avoided looking at me,” (Satyr, 216). This action brought into light the extent to which Hench took responsibility for Silenus. The only thing that drove Hench to sell his most intelligent and human-like creation at this point was the money he needed to continue his line of work. Next, as the story goes on the Satyr continuously defies societal norms and Hench starts verbally questioning the Satyr’s actions. More than once the Satyr responds by saying that because he is entirely Hench’s experiment, Hench will have to assume responsibility. Hench becomes confused on account of his taking the blame for Silenus’ actions; he never once debates whether or not he should take responsibility for making the Satyr in the first place. The Satyr’s rationales definitely overcome what doubts Hench might’ve had regarding Silenus’ denied responsibility at this time. Third, there is a twist of events near the end of the story that initiate Hench’s decision to disagree with the Satyrs claims. “You’re responsible for what you do,”(Satyr, 226). This is what Hench finally responds to the numerous responsibility denials. Thus, proving that although Hench himself is responsible for creating Silenus, it is Silenus who is responsible for his own actions as he acted on his own

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